SLIDING / FOLDING SOFT TOP ASSEMBLY FOR SUV
First Claim
1. A sliding/folding soft top assembly for a vehicle comprising:
- first and second guide tracks;
first and second linkage assemblies slidably coupled to said first and second guide tracks;
first and second pivot brackets;
a first bow connected to said first and second linkage assemblies;
a second bow coupled to said first and second linkage assemblies;
a third bow pivotably coupled to said first and second pivot brackets; and
a fourth bow operably coupled to said third bow;
said sliding/folding soft top assembly configured to selectively move between a deployed position, first stowed position, and retracted stowed position.
9 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A sliding/folding soft top assembly having opposing first and second linkage assemblies with a plurality of guide rollers located within a first and second guide track for selectively moving the soft top assembly between a deployed position to a first stowed position or a retracted stowed position. A first bow and second bow are coupled to each of the first and second linkage assemblies, which include a first pivot joint for rotating the first bow to the first stowed position. A rear pivot joint allows a rear link of the first and second linkage assemblies to rotate in an area where the first and second guide tracks curve. A third bow is rotatably connected to first and second pivot brackets, and a fourth bow is pivotably connected to the third bow, to allow rotation of the third and fourth bow between the deployed position and retracted stowed position.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A sliding/folding soft top assembly for a vehicle comprising:
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first and second guide tracks; first and second linkage assemblies slidably coupled to said first and second guide tracks; first and second pivot brackets; a first bow connected to said first and second linkage assemblies; a second bow coupled to said first and second linkage assemblies; a third bow pivotably coupled to said first and second pivot brackets; and a fourth bow operably coupled to said third bow; said sliding/folding soft top assembly configured to selectively move between a deployed position, first stowed position, and retracted stowed position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A sliding/folding soft top assembly for a vehicle comprising:
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first and second guide tracks each having a track recess; first and second linkage assemblies comprising a plurality of guide rollers slidably coupled to said track recess; first and second pivot brackets coupled to opposing sport/roll bars; a first bow connected to said first and second linkage assemblies and rotatable to a first stowed position; a latch mechanism assembly having a pair of plungers for selectively engaging said first and second linkage assemblies to prevent sliding of said first and second linkage assemblies when in said first stowed position; a second bow connected to said first and second linkage assemblies; a third bow pivotably coupled to said first and second pivot brackets; and a fourth bow pivotably coupled to said third bow; said sliding/folding soft top assembly configured to move between a deployed position, said first stowed position, and retracted stowed position using said first and second linkage assemblies and first and second pivot brackets. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A sliding/folding soft top assembly for a vehicle comprising:
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first and second guide tracks each having a track recess; first and second linkage assemblies comprising a plurality of guide rollers slidably coupled to said track recess; first and second pivot brackets coupled to opposing sport/roll bars; a first bow connected to said first and second linkage assemblies and rotatable to a first stowed position; a latch mechanism assembly having a pair of plungers for selectively engaging said first and second linkage assemblies to prevent sliding of said first and second linkage assemblies when in said first stowed position; a second bow connected to said first and second linkage assemblies; a third bow pivotably coupled to said first and second pivot brackets; and a fourth bow pivotably coupled to said third bow, wherein said third and fourth bows are configured to freely rotate about the first and second pivot brackets; and wherein said sliding/folding soft top assembly is configured to move between a deployed position, said first stowed position, and retracted stowed position.
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Specification